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Just a Bentley Christmas #1
Just a Date
I’ve been relegated to my best friend’s “psych project.” Talk about an ego booster. She thinks I need love in my life, but if my parent’s divorce taught me anything, it is that I absolutely don’t. I’d rather stick with math. Numbers are safer than feelings. But no matter how hard I try, I can’t just think of Michael as a number.
I never thought I’d be locked in a bet in order to get a promotion at my family business. Blame it on stupidity, or my brother, (technically it’s both). The bet is fall in love in thirty days. But the girl capturing my heart has sworn off dating, so I’ll have to get creative.
This is a sweet and short romantic comedy. Holiday themes are light and fun. Trigger divorce.
I never thought I’d be locked in a bet in order to get a promotion at my family business. Blame it on stupidity, or my brother, (technically it’s both). The bet is fall in love in thirty days. But the girl capturing my heart has sworn off dating, so I’ll have to get creative.
This is a sweet and short romantic comedy. Holiday themes are light and fun. Trigger divorce.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2022
57 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Christmas romcom (light on the Christmas)
Content: makeouts, trust issues due to parents’ divorce (present)
Last year, I read an ARC of Just a Trip for Jenessa and I knew I wanted to read more by her. This year, I’ve read 3 of her other books and loved them! Now that I’ve finished all of my ARC commitments for the year, I’m reading what I already have that I’ve been wanting to get to and a Bentley Christmas novella seemed like a perfect place to start.
Michael and Juliet both have people that love them meddling in their love lives. This results in the two of them messaging on a dating app and then meeting in real life.
It’s a bit of an instalove story— they fall in love in about 3 weeks, but still, it’s cute. It was fun getting to see the Bentley family and left me excited to read the other siblings’ stories!
Favorite Quotes:
😂Have we really crossed paths before or is he using an attractive photograph to trick me, like a serial killer would do? Maybe he is a serial killer, and we did meet each other in real life, but I turned him down, so he made this profile to find me. Not today, Satan. I'm not about to be dragged out to the middle of nowhere and tied to train tracks to meet my demise.
❤️ “Everyone is made for love. The question is, are you ready to be loved?"
‼️ Love isn't a give-and-take. It's a give, and give, and give."
🤣"You stink, man," Trent grunts,
pushing him upright.
"Trent," Mom scolds. "He could have brain damage."
"We've known that for a while, and it's no excuse for poor hygiene.”
Genre: Christmas romcom (light on the Christmas)
Content: makeouts, trust issues due to parents’ divorce (present)
Last year, I read an ARC of Just a Trip for Jenessa and I knew I wanted to read more by her. This year, I’ve read 3 of her other books and loved them! Now that I’ve finished all of my ARC commitments for the year, I’m reading what I already have that I’ve been wanting to get to and a Bentley Christmas novella seemed like a perfect place to start.
Michael and Juliet both have people that love them meddling in their love lives. This results in the two of them messaging on a dating app and then meeting in real life.
It’s a bit of an instalove story— they fall in love in about 3 weeks, but still, it’s cute. It was fun getting to see the Bentley family and left me excited to read the other siblings’ stories!
Favorite Quotes:
😂Have we really crossed paths before or is he using an attractive photograph to trick me, like a serial killer would do? Maybe he is a serial killer, and we did meet each other in real life, but I turned him down, so he made this profile to find me. Not today, Satan. I'm not about to be dragged out to the middle of nowhere and tied to train tracks to meet my demise.
❤️ “Everyone is made for love. The question is, are you ready to be loved?"
‼️ Love isn't a give-and-take. It's a give, and give, and give."
🤣"You stink, man," Trent grunts,
pushing him upright.
"Trent," Mom scolds. "He could have brain damage."
"We've known that for a while, and it's no excuse for poor hygiene.”
May 20, 2024
This Christmas novella is absolutely adorable. It’s such a refreshing twist for a love story.
Juliet, not that Juliet, have sworn off love due to a rough divorce her parents have dragged her through.
Michael is a workaholic who has no time for love.
Juliet’s best friend and Michael’s brother, independently, bring it amongst themselves to push them into finding love. And so it begins.
It’s so refreshing to actually see how healthy dating is supposed to be. Steering away from carnal, emotionless, the non-labelling relationships of young adults. This story instead has done it the right way. The building up the courage to ask for a date, the jitters before the first date, the panicky efforts to make it through a third and a fourth date, the actually getting to know the other person and build up enough courage to get a kiss and finally the beautiful experience of falling in love.
This is everything a romance novel should be.
Can I also say the countless moments I found myself snorting, giggling and right out laughing.
I loved this novella. Can’t wait to start Book 2.
Juliet, not that Juliet, have sworn off love due to a rough divorce her parents have dragged her through.
Michael is a workaholic who has no time for love.
Juliet’s best friend and Michael’s brother, independently, bring it amongst themselves to push them into finding love. And so it begins.
It’s so refreshing to actually see how healthy dating is supposed to be. Steering away from carnal, emotionless, the non-labelling relationships of young adults. This story instead has done it the right way. The building up the courage to ask for a date, the jitters before the first date, the panicky efforts to make it through a third and a fourth date, the actually getting to know the other person and build up enough courage to get a kiss and finally the beautiful experience of falling in love.
This is everything a romance novel should be.
Can I also say the countless moments I found myself snorting, giggling and right out laughing.
I loved this novella. Can’t wait to start Book 2.
December 4, 2022
“It’s better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all.”
“The only way to get one hundred percent in a relationship, is if both partners give it one hundred percent. 100%+100%=100%.
“Sean told me I couldn’t fall in love in thirty days. I fell for you in twenty.” He inches closer, and my heart picks up speed. “And I suspect I’ll be in love with you for the rest of my life.”
Juliet: I’ve been relegated to my best friend’s “psych project.” Talk about an ego booster. She thinks I need love in my life but if my parent’s divorce taught me anything, it is that I absolutely don’t. I’d rather stick with math. Numbers are safer than feelings. But no matter how hard I try I can’t just think of Michael as a number.
Michael: I never thought I’d be locked in a bet in order to get a promotion at my family business. Blame it on stupidity, or my brother, (technically he’s both). The bet is simple: fall in love in thirty days. But the girl capturing my heart has sworn off dating. I’ll have to get creative.
I absolutely love this novella. I love the relationship between Michael and Juliet. I adore Michael’s family. His little sister, Lennox, story came out last year and I loved that one just as much as I do this one. I’m hoping that Jenessa Fayeth is writing Sean’s and Trent’s own stories. 5 stars.
“The only way to get one hundred percent in a relationship, is if both partners give it one hundred percent. 100%+100%=100%.
“Sean told me I couldn’t fall in love in thirty days. I fell for you in twenty.” He inches closer, and my heart picks up speed. “And I suspect I’ll be in love with you for the rest of my life.”
Juliet: I’ve been relegated to my best friend’s “psych project.” Talk about an ego booster. She thinks I need love in my life but if my parent’s divorce taught me anything, it is that I absolutely don’t. I’d rather stick with math. Numbers are safer than feelings. But no matter how hard I try I can’t just think of Michael as a number.
Michael: I never thought I’d be locked in a bet in order to get a promotion at my family business. Blame it on stupidity, or my brother, (technically he’s both). The bet is simple: fall in love in thirty days. But the girl capturing my heart has sworn off dating. I’ll have to get creative.
I absolutely love this novella. I love the relationship between Michael and Juliet. I adore Michael’s family. His little sister, Lennox, story came out last year and I loved that one just as much as I do this one. I’m hoping that Jenessa Fayeth is writing Sean’s and Trent’s own stories. 5 stars.
November 29, 2024
This book was so fun! It’s always hilarious and nerve wracking when bets play into a rom com. Honestly though, loved the dynamics of Michael’s family. They were so much fun! Michael was great in how he wins Juliet over.
I could totally understand Juliet’s reasons for not believing in love with her background. Though I loved watching her change her mind as she evaluated how Michael made her feel.
I loved this book and can’t wait to read the rest of the series!!
Favorite Quotes:
I’m going to have to do everything I can to convince her to give this a shot. I have a feeling she’s worth it.
“I heard you when you said you weren’t really afraid of heights, and this is the closest way I could think of to let you fly.” Dang it. That was romantic. “While that’s technically true, I am t-terrified of the dropping to my death part,” I stutter. “I promise it’s completely safe. I won’t make you do anything you don’t want to, but you can’t tell me a piece of you isn’t curious for a little adventure.” The dangerous look in his eyes does funny things to my insides.
I could totally understand Juliet’s reasons for not believing in love with her background. Though I loved watching her change her mind as she evaluated how Michael made her feel.
I loved this book and can’t wait to read the rest of the series!!
Favorite Quotes:
I’m going to have to do everything I can to convince her to give this a shot. I have a feeling she’s worth it.
“I heard you when you said you weren’t really afraid of heights, and this is the closest way I could think of to let you fly.” Dang it. That was romantic. “While that’s technically true, I am t-terrified of the dropping to my death part,” I stutter. “I promise it’s completely safe. I won’t make you do anything you don’t want to, but you can’t tell me a piece of you isn’t curious for a little adventure.” The dangerous look in his eyes does funny things to my insides.
February 8, 2025
A bet, a dating app, and taking a chance
When Michael competes with his younger brother Sean to take over his father's carpentry business, Sean offers him a bet. The bet? Fall in love in 30 days and Sean will rescind his challenge for taking over the business. Using a dating app, the plan is set in motion. The girl he chooses (having interacted slightly once before) reluctantly agrees to go out with him.
What if he fails???
A fun story about a girl who is afraid to have a relationship or fall in love. With warring divorced parents she couldn't imagine loving someone or being loved.
Friends and family help the girl (Juliet) come to grips with her fears.
Sweet love story with unexpected surprise help from his family as well.
When Michael competes with his younger brother Sean to take over his father's carpentry business, Sean offers him a bet. The bet? Fall in love in 30 days and Sean will rescind his challenge for taking over the business. Using a dating app, the plan is set in motion. The girl he chooses (having interacted slightly once before) reluctantly agrees to go out with him.
What if he fails???
A fun story about a girl who is afraid to have a relationship or fall in love. With warring divorced parents she couldn't imagine loving someone or being loved.
Friends and family help the girl (Juliet) come to grips with her fears.
Sweet love story with unexpected surprise help from his family as well.
December 23, 2022
So, so, charming!
I loved this entire book and absolutely recommend it!
“Just a Bet” was an excellent book, and to say I was thrilled that Fayeth decided to continue the series is an understatement.
I couldn’t wait to learn about Michael and Juliet’s story and it definitely didn’t disappoint! I liked that I could see myself in the two of them, they were relatable characters and I thoroughly enjoyed how their relationship progressed.
Now, hopefully there is some redemption for Sean and his love life down the road! I felt for the poor guy, his date to the party really must have been an…. Experience. 😂
I loved this entire book and absolutely recommend it!
“Just a Bet” was an excellent book, and to say I was thrilled that Fayeth decided to continue the series is an understatement.
I couldn’t wait to learn about Michael and Juliet’s story and it definitely didn’t disappoint! I liked that I could see myself in the two of them, they were relatable characters and I thoroughly enjoyed how their relationship progressed.
Now, hopefully there is some redemption for Sean and his love life down the road! I felt for the poor guy, his date to the party really must have been an…. Experience. 😂
December 31, 2022
Fayeth does it again with this sweet and fast holiday read!
I read Just a Bet and fell in love with the Bentley family. Their quirks, family bets, and edgy banter made for the most hilarious moments and Just a Date only added to it! This book comes before Just a Bet in the series and tells the story of Michael and Juliet.
Juliet has sworn off dating after a string of horrible dates that is until she meets Michael. Fueled by fifty bucks and his pride, Michael is on a mission to find a girl to fall in love with him. What could go wrong?
Check out this sweet novella if you love:
*Second-chance romance
*Strong families
*Romantic Comedies
*Opposites attract
I read Just a Bet and fell in love with the Bentley family. Their quirks, family bets, and edgy banter made for the most hilarious moments and Just a Date only added to it! This book comes before Just a Bet in the series and tells the story of Michael and Juliet.
Juliet has sworn off dating after a string of horrible dates that is until she meets Michael. Fueled by fifty bucks and his pride, Michael is on a mission to find a girl to fall in love with him. What could go wrong?
Check out this sweet novella if you love:
*Second-chance romance
*Strong families
*Romantic Comedies
*Opposites attract
December 15, 2024
Juliet & Michael
Y’all, I didn’t realize Jenessa had written more than Date with Danger and Taken with Trouble 🙈 I’m so glad I discovered this book, I cannot wait to read the rest Bentley books.
If you want a cute, Christmassy, sweet, swoony, she-swore-off-love read, then you’ll want this one! It’s a quick easy red? One you won’t want to put down.
Michael and Juliet’s story features quirky, relatable, and likable characters. I loved the Bentley family and their shenanigans. The epilogue had a hilarious moment, and I loved the healing elements in Juliet’s story.
You won’t want to miss out on this one, or put it down! It’s available in KU right now.
Y’all, I didn’t realize Jenessa had written more than Date with Danger and Taken with Trouble 🙈 I’m so glad I discovered this book, I cannot wait to read the rest Bentley books.
If you want a cute, Christmassy, sweet, swoony, she-swore-off-love read, then you’ll want this one! It’s a quick easy red? One you won’t want to put down.
Michael and Juliet’s story features quirky, relatable, and likable characters. I loved the Bentley family and their shenanigans. The epilogue had a hilarious moment, and I loved the healing elements in Juliet’s story.
You won’t want to miss out on this one, or put it down! It’s available in KU right now.
December 26, 2022
Loved it!!
Just A Date was such a fun book! Short, sweet, and filled with amazing chemistry between the Juliet and Michael! It was such a kick to get back in with the Bentley family and see how Michael met his match and fell in love with her. Juliet was so fun-- I loved all her worse date ever experiences and how she got out of them-- and it was easy to root for her. Thanks for another fantastic story, Jenessa!
Just A Date was such a fun book! Short, sweet, and filled with amazing chemistry between the Juliet and Michael! It was such a kick to get back in with the Bentley family and see how Michael met his match and fell in love with her. Juliet was so fun-- I loved all her worse date ever experiences and how she got out of them-- and it was easy to root for her. Thanks for another fantastic story, Jenessa!
August 2, 2024
Sweet Romance
This was a very sweet romance, with only one swear. Juliet grew up with parents that fought constantly and divorced, so she doesn’t believe in love. Michael has a great family, but bets a lot with his brothers. I love how things worked out, but was disappointed in him not telling her about the bet. He told her a whole bunch of other truths that were more embarrassing.
This was a very sweet romance, with only one swear. Juliet grew up with parents that fought constantly and divorced, so she doesn’t believe in love. Michael has a great family, but bets a lot with his brothers. I love how things worked out, but was disappointed in him not telling her about the bet. He told her a whole bunch of other truths that were more embarrassing.
September 9, 2024
In a book which I thought reminded me loosely of The Taming of the Shrew it features Juliet who is completely against love and Michael, who works so hard he hardly has time for it. After getting to know each other via a dating app Michael is pushed into agreeing to a bet with his brother that he couldn’t fall in love in 30 days. Of course, once he and Juliet get close the details of the bet come to light… A cosy read which I enjoyed.
January 2, 2023
The writing felt a bit choppy to me. I really liked Michael but, I couldn't stand Juliet. She came off as selfish and inconsiderate. The book was much to short to develop enough but, I didn't want more at the same time. I will try one more book from this series before I make a decision on this author.
December 21, 2023
Cute
This was adorable on all the right levels. Christmas themed, with an excellent serving of awesome hardworking Michael and seriously stressed Juliet, and I loved it. These two were adorable. Also, Kabob the pug, and "would you believe me if I said it was a cat?" Sibling dynamics are hilarious.
This was adorable on all the right levels. Christmas themed, with an excellent serving of awesome hardworking Michael and seriously stressed Juliet, and I loved it. These two were adorable. Also, Kabob the pug, and "would you believe me if I said it was a cat?" Sibling dynamics are hilarious.
March 31, 2023
A Sweet and Fun Read!
Just a Date was the perfect light hearted quick read to round out a long work week! Fayeth’s characters are funny and charming, relatable and couples you really pull for. I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of the series!
Just a Date was the perfect light hearted quick read to round out a long work week! Fayeth’s characters are funny and charming, relatable and couples you really pull for. I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of the series!
April 7, 2023
Would’ve been 4 stars without the epilogue.
Cute story but predictable. He makes a bet about falling in love, she finds out and it’s enough to confirm her existing doubts about love, they are miserable without each other and she reevaluates her stance on love.
Cute story but predictable. He makes a bet about falling in love, she finds out and it’s enough to confirm her existing doubts about love, they are miserable without each other and she reevaluates her stance on love.
August 22, 2023
3/5 🌟
It was vey easy to read but took me some time to get into it.
It very obvious that there would be a third act breakup and at it was going to involve.
I like what Michael said (his quotes, they were cute)
Michael 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
It was vey easy to read but took me some time to get into it.
It very obvious that there would be a third act breakup and at it was going to involve.
I like what Michael said (his quotes, they were cute)
Michael 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
January 1, 2023
Insecurity aside this woman was view of herself as victim of everything!
April 9, 2023
hilarious and feel good
This is great! 5 stars as a novella. Witty banter, real life issues, a crazy but wonderful family, a fun trope.
This is great! 5 stars as a novella. Witty banter, real life issues, a crazy but wonderful family, a fun trope.
July 14, 2023
Cute, predictable, run read!
November 24, 2023
Kisses only. I liked how this book sets up the Bentley family but focuses on our MCs.
May 4, 2024
(Kindle) cute (AKU)
June 23, 2024
Quick read but there wasn't enough relationship development for me and the MMC never felt very sincere.
December 13, 2024
Dying of swoon. This was SO cute! Loved Juliet and Michael. Jenessa has such good writing style and it captured my attention so well.
December 29, 2024
It was a cute story. I probably won’t continue with the series because it sounds like they’ll all be quite similar, but it was a cute read.
Want to read
February 25, 2025A
August 20, 2025
4.5 stars
December 12, 2025
such a cute, spice free, christmas romance! love reading these around the holidays
December 27, 2025
I love their story. I loved Juliet's development and how she learned to love a person even though her parents were divorced.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews